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8 Day Middle Earth Discovered Independent Coach

Days
8

Pricing From
$4310

North Island / South Island
Book Now

Overview

Depart on a Middle Earth Discovered adventure to explore New Zealand and Middle Earth. Visit several official sites used during the filming of both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. While taking in these sights, you will also enjoy some of the most beautiful attractions in New Zealand including active geysers, famous glowworm caves, majestic mountains and fiords.

This tour package can be customised to suit your preferences. Please enquire upon booking.

Accommodation

4 Star Hotels
We have a wide range of 4 star hotel properties. Most hotels in this category generally have swimming pools, fitness gyms, a choice of restaurants, and are usually a little closer to town centres or occupy premium locations. Room types may include standard, deluxe, superior, mountain view, lake view, suites, etc. Many also include 2 and 3 bedroom suites which can offer great value for larger groups.

3 Star Hotels
All our 3 star hotels have restaurant facilities. Meals can be included in your package, if required. Please note that smaller destinations such as Coromandel, Kaikoura, Akaroa, etc. hotels don't usually feature this as an accommodation option.

Motels
Motel accommodations are self-contained facilities. At minimum, a studio unit includes cooking utensils, a hot plate and/or a microwave, toaster, kettle, and crockery and cutlery. Others will include a full kitchen and can include saunas, spas, and swimming pools and sometimes a full breakfast service. Room types include stuido, 2-bedroom, or family units. Our motels are of a very high standard and are generally owned and operated by locals who would love to share their genuine interest in their region with you.

Looking for a fully escorted coach tour? Check out our guided departures here!

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Rotorua

Rotorua Hangi and Concert

Rotorua Hangi and Concert

Rotorua Hangi and Concert

Rotorua Hangi and Concert

Rotorua Hangi and Concert

Rotorua Hangi and Concert

Pohutu Geyser, Te Puia, Rotorua

Pohutu Geyser, Te Puia, Rotorua

Trout at Rainbow Springs, Rotorua

Trout at Rainbow Springs, Rotorua

Agrodome Farm Show, Rotorua

Agrodome Farm Show, Rotorua

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Rotorua

Tongariro National Park

Mt Doom, Tongariro National Park

Lord of the Rings Tour, Wellington

Lord of the Rings Tour, Wellington

Weta Cave, Wellington

Weta Cave, Wellington

Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

Queenstown 4WD Lord of the Rings Tour

Queenstown 4WD Lord of the Rings Tour

Queenstown 4WD Lord of the Rings Tour

Queenstown 4WD Lord of the Rings Tour

Mt Cook and Lake Pukaki

Mt Cook and Lake Pukaki

Hagley Park, Christchurch

Hagley Park, Christchurch

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua

You will need at least a night in Auckland before this your.

This full day tour has it all! From the magical glowworms and world-famous limestone formations of Waitomo to the rich cultural heritage and geothermal bounty of Rotorua. Includes a visit to the glow worm caves, a maori cultural performance, a visit to the Agrodome and bubbling mud pools and geysers.

Mitai Maori Village
An evening at Mitai will give you an awe-inspiring introduction to the indigenous Maori culture. Marvel at the beautiful bush setting and paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream while trout and eels swim beneath the surface. See warriors in traditional dress and glowworms in their natural habitat. Enjoy a traditionally cooked hangi meal and round your evening off with a spectacular cultural performance.

Stay 2 nights Rotorua

Day 2Explore Rotorua

Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the worlds most active volcanic regions. But geothermal landmarks aside, this city of sulphur has a rich indigenous history. 

Live on the edge when you hop aboard a helicopter bound for White Island, New Zealand’s most active volcano. Spike your adrenaline at Agroventures on stomach-dropping attractions such as static skydiving, or a giant swing reaching 130 km per hour. Go up the Gondola for soaring lake views, and ride the luge at night for an extra thrill.

Make the most of your time in Rotorua with an excursion through the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of the area’s most colourful volcanic attractions.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Rotorua
Discover the real Middle-earth when you take this two hour guided tour of Hobbiton. Beginning with a drive through a picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm, you’ll experience stunning views over the Kaimai Ranges. You’ll then be escorted through the 12 acre movie set learning memorable anecdotes about the shooting of the films. You’ll see Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and The Party Tree, as well as learning how this piece of Waikato farmland was turned into the Shire.

Day 3Rotorua - Wellington

You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the coach depot.

Rotorua to Wellington
Your coach journey from Rotorua to Wellington takes you via the township of Taupo and New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo. The lake itself is actually a gigantic volcanic caldera formed during one of the worlds largest ever eruptions. Through Tongariro and onto the central plateau and the high country Rangipo Desert. Skirting Tongariro National Park, one of New Zealand’s three world heritage sites and clouds permitting you can see the 2,500 metre peak of the still volcanically active Mt. Ruapehu. You might recognise the symmetrical shape of Mt. Ngauruhoe as this was used as the scenery of Mt. Doom in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. A little further the military town of Waiouru also hosts the Army Museum, an incredible collection of New Zealand’s military history and a memorial to its servicemen. Heading south you pass through the rural towns of Taihape, Mangaweka and Bulls before arriving on the Kapiti Coast, with its coastal seaside towns of Paraparaumu, Paekakariki and Plimmerton. The Kapiti Coast leads into Wellington, New Zealand's capital. Wellington sits on a wonderful deep natural harbour and is surrounded by bush clad hills. The city centre itself is quite compact (only around 1 square kilometre), so exploring on foot is relatively easy. From your city centre accommodation you can easily stroll the cafes and restaurants around Courtenay Place and explore New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa, which is also close by.

On arrival in Wellington, you will be met by our representative.

Stay 2 nights Wellington

Day 4Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour

One of the most comprehensive Lord of the Rings tours available, this day tour covers a lot of ground but with enough time to explore, recreate scenes (over 25 different ones) for yourself and work out how the movies were made.
The morning is spent exploring the city locations of Mount Victoria (for spectacular views) and the 'greenbelt' with a 40 min walk through the 'outer shire'. This location includes 'get off the road' and 'shortcut to mushrooms' among others. Then drive the southern suburbs, including Seatoun and Miramar and the South Coast where many of the big name stars lived, looking at Bree and Dunharrow locations.
A stop is included at the Weta Cave (except Public Holidays) and Scorch o Rama cafe (food at own expense) on the Wellywood Coast. We usually coffee with hoards of the hungry Weta crew. Knowledgeable guides will discuss past, current and future Peter Jackson/Weta creations including who is currently in town from Hollywood at the moment.
The afternoon is spent exploring the Hutt Valley. Stops include the Hutt River (Great River Anduin) and Harcourt Park (Gardens of Isengard and the famous Orc trees). In Kaitoke Regional Park enjoy a picnic lunch under the elvish trees of the Rivendell location (and a 45min walk through the NZ native forest).

Day 5Wellington - Fly - Queenstown

You will be collected from your Wellington hotel and transferred to the airport.

On arrival into Queenstown domestic airport you will be met from your flight and a transfer will deliver you to your accommodation.

Explore Queenstown and surrounds
Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown offers far more than a fast paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic and scenic wonders.

Head down the Gibbston valley wine trail to sample some of the region’s best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100 year old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's ‘Rata.’ Check out nearby historic Arrowtown and enhance your experience with a four wheel drive trip to Macetown.

Take a leisurely lakeside stroll or ride the gondola for breathtaking views. Venture further afield into the Fiordland National Park or head over the Crown Range to Wanaka. Drive through Lord Of The Rings country - or for the really fanatic, jump aboard one of many dedicated LOTR tours. And after all of that - if you do really want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or Heli-ski.

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown

Day 6Milford Sound Day Tour from Queenstown

Leaving Queenstown, travel in comfort through rugged mountain terrain past Te Anau, a quiet town on the shores of the largest lake in the South Island. Your glass-roof coach will provide amazing views of the skyline.
Journey through the Southern Alps and along the picturesque Eglinton Valley, a place of ancient alpine forest and gushing waterfalls and one of only a few road-accessible glacier valleys in New Zealand. Take advantage of the photo opportunities on offer along the Milford Road, like the stunning Mirror Lakes, where on a calm day the surrounding mountain ranges are perfectly reflected in the still waters, and Knobs Flat, where glaciers have carved their mark on the terrain.
Travel through the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km passageway drilled into solid rock, then experience The Chasm, a short but impressive walk over footbridges spanning a series of powerful, swirling waterfalls and rapids.
At Milford Sound, board your 1 3/4 hour Southern Discoveries Scenic Cruise and set off to explore the region that Rudyard Kipling called the Eighth Wonder of the World. Travel the length of the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea, gliding past glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls that tumble through valleys and crash into the sea far below. Lush native forest clings to steep cliffs, while seals, penguins and dolphins are regular visitors to the icy waters. At the pinnacle of the sound, Mitre Peak rises dramatically from the depths to a height of 1,692 metres above sea level.
Along the way your captain will provide lively and informative commentary. Your cruise will take place on a modern, purpose-built catamaran with large viewing windows, outdoor decks, panoramic views and warm indoor seating.
After your cruise, return to Queenstown by coach.

Day 7At Queenstown

Safari of the Scenes Wakatipu Basin tour
For those keen on the Hobbit and Lord of The Rings films, come with us for an unexpectedly delightful journey. In safari-equipped 4WD vehicles, you will be taken on a true off-road adventure. Experienced guides will take you on a breathtaking excursion through diverse scenery around the Wakatipu Basin. See historic Arrowtown and go over the Arrow River, as well as experiencing the truly remarkable views of the lake and mountain surround from the Skippers Canyon Saddle.

Enjoy a second day in Queenstown
With such an abundance of activities on offer, one day in Queenstown is never enough! Today you’ll have some spare time for those things you didn’t get to do yesterday. For more thrills you can choose from jet boating, luging, bungy jumping or a canyon swing. If golf is your game, the exceptional Millbrook Golf Course is the place for you. Explore a little further afield - nearby historic gold mining township Arrowtown, is a popular destination and features many original buildings and features. At the head of Lake Wakatipu sits Glenorchy, the scenic drive here is worth the trip alone, however arriving into this peaceful township you could easily rest the day away. Nearby is the start of the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. You can enjoy a section of this track as a day walk or for the ultimate wilderness adventure choose the 3 day all-inclusive fully guided option. To really appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds this area, a scenic flight or hot air balloon ride will take your breath away. For a slightly more grounded experience, the Skyline Gondola offers fantastic views of Queenstown and the Remarkables.

Day 8Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch(with Lunch)

Travel to the foothills of New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook, on a full-day sightseeing tour from Queenstown to Christchurch.

Setting off from Queenstown, travel through ruggedly beautiful landscape and over the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country. Enter the amazing Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain, where there is time to stop for lunch and a chance to enjoy the amazing alpine scenery.During your stop at Mount Cook Village, enjoy a delicious lunch at the famous Hermitage Hotel.

In the afternoon, travel past Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd against the backdrop of this vivid blue glacier-fed lake. Then continue through the diverse farmland of the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, the Garden City, where your tour concludes.

You will need at least a night in Christchurch after this your.

Cost per person (Twin share)

  • 3-Star Accommodation: from NZ$4,310

Prices quoted are per person and are room only. Prices do not include meals.  

Twin share is based on 2 people traveling together and sharing one rooms. Single room and triple share prices are available upon request.

 

* Please Note*

Prices are estimates only, and are subject to availability and exchange rates when booking, seasonal or holiday price surcharges (such as Christmas/New Year and Easter); as well as special events that may be on. Please forward a request and we will be happy to forward a quote.

Payment

  • Deposit: 20% of the package cost or N$250 per person (whichever is the greater) at time of booking
  • Full Payment: 60 Days before travel
  • Airfares (if applicable): Paid in full no more than 6 days after booking

Cancellation Charges

  • Cancellation Fees up to 100% can apply after booking. Extra deposits or full payment may be requested to cover these charges prior to booking

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua

You will need at least a night in Auckland before this your.

This full day tour has it all! From the magical glowworms and world-famous limestone formations of Waitomo to the rich cultural heritage and geothermal bounty of Rotorua. Includes a visit to the glow worm caves, a maori cultural performance, a visit to the Agrodome and bubbling mud pools and geysers.

Mitai Maori Village
An evening at Mitai will give you an awe-inspiring introduction to the indigenous Maori culture. Marvel at the beautiful bush setting and paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream while trout and eels swim beneath the surface. See warriors in traditional dress and glowworms in their natural habitat. Enjoy a traditionally cooked hangi meal and round your evening off with a spectacular cultural performance.

Stay 2 nights Rotorua

Day 2Explore Rotorua

Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the worlds most active volcanic regions. But geothermal landmarks aside, this city of sulphur has a rich indigenous history. 

Live on the edge when you hop aboard a helicopter bound for White Island, New Zealand’s most active volcano. Spike your adrenaline at Agroventures on stomach-dropping attractions such as static skydiving, or a giant swing reaching 130 km per hour. Go up the Gondola for soaring lake views, and ride the luge at night for an extra thrill.

Make the most of your time in Rotorua with an excursion through the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of the area’s most colourful volcanic attractions.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Rotorua
Discover the real Middle-earth when you take this two hour guided tour of Hobbiton. Beginning with a drive through a picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm, you’ll experience stunning views over the Kaimai Ranges. You’ll then be escorted through the 12 acre movie set learning memorable anecdotes about the shooting of the films. You’ll see Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and The Party Tree, as well as learning how this piece of Waikato farmland was turned into the Shire.

Day 3Rotorua - Wellington

You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the coach depot.

Rotorua to Wellington
Your coach journey from Rotorua to Wellington takes you via the township of Taupo and New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo. The lake itself is actually a gigantic volcanic caldera formed during one of the worlds largest ever eruptions. Through Tongariro and onto the central plateau and the high country Rangipo Desert. Skirting Tongariro National Park, one of New Zealand’s three world heritage sites and clouds permitting you can see the 2,500 metre peak of the still volcanically active Mt. Ruapehu. You might recognise the symmetrical shape of Mt. Ngauruhoe as this was used as the scenery of Mt. Doom in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. A little further the military town of Waiouru also hosts the Army Museum, an incredible collection of New Zealand’s military history and a memorial to its servicemen. Heading south you pass through the rural towns of Taihape, Mangaweka and Bulls before arriving on the Kapiti Coast, with its coastal seaside towns of Paraparaumu, Paekakariki and Plimmerton. The Kapiti Coast leads into Wellington, New Zealand's capital. Wellington sits on a wonderful deep natural harbour and is surrounded by bush clad hills. The city centre itself is quite compact (only around 1 square kilometre), so exploring on foot is relatively easy. From your city centre accommodation you can easily stroll the cafes and restaurants around Courtenay Place and explore New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa, which is also close by.

On arrival in Wellington, you will be met by our representative.

Stay 2 nights Wellington

Day 4Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour

One of the most comprehensive Lord of the Rings tours available, this day tour covers a lot of ground but with enough time to explore, recreate scenes (over 25 different ones) for yourself and work out how the movies were made.
The morning is spent exploring the city locations of Mount Victoria (for spectacular views) and the 'greenbelt' with a 40 min walk through the 'outer shire'. This location includes 'get off the road' and 'shortcut to mushrooms' among others. Then drive the southern suburbs, including Seatoun and Miramar and the South Coast where many of the big name stars lived, looking at Bree and Dunharrow locations.
A stop is included at the Weta Cave (except Public Holidays) and Scorch o Rama cafe (food at own expense) on the Wellywood Coast. We usually coffee with hoards of the hungry Weta crew. Knowledgeable guides will discuss past, current and future Peter Jackson/Weta creations including who is currently in town from Hollywood at the moment.
The afternoon is spent exploring the Hutt Valley. Stops include the Hutt River (Great River Anduin) and Harcourt Park (Gardens of Isengard and the famous Orc trees). In Kaitoke Regional Park enjoy a picnic lunch under the elvish trees of the Rivendell location (and a 45min walk through the NZ native forest).

Day 5Wellington - Fly - Queenstown

You will be collected from your Wellington hotel and transferred to the airport.

On arrival into Queenstown domestic airport you will be met from your flight and a transfer will deliver you to your accommodation.

Explore Queenstown and surrounds
Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown offers far more than a fast paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic and scenic wonders.

Head down the Gibbston valley wine trail to sample some of the region’s best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100 year old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's ‘Rata.’ Check out nearby historic Arrowtown and enhance your experience with a four wheel drive trip to Macetown.

Take a leisurely lakeside stroll or ride the gondola for breathtaking views. Venture further afield into the Fiordland National Park or head over the Crown Range to Wanaka. Drive through Lord Of The Rings country - or for the really fanatic, jump aboard one of many dedicated LOTR tours. And after all of that - if you do really want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or Heli-ski.

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown

Day 6Milford Sound Day Tour from Queenstown

Leaving Queenstown, travel in comfort through rugged mountain terrain past Te Anau, a quiet town on the shores of the largest lake in the South Island. Your glass-roof coach will provide amazing views of the skyline.
Journey through the Southern Alps and along the picturesque Eglinton Valley, a place of ancient alpine forest and gushing waterfalls and one of only a few road-accessible glacier valleys in New Zealand. Take advantage of the photo opportunities on offer along the Milford Road, like the stunning Mirror Lakes, where on a calm day the surrounding mountain ranges are perfectly reflected in the still waters, and Knobs Flat, where glaciers have carved their mark on the terrain.
Travel through the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km passageway drilled into solid rock, then experience The Chasm, a short but impressive walk over footbridges spanning a series of powerful, swirling waterfalls and rapids.
At Milford Sound, board your 1 3/4 hour Southern Discoveries Scenic Cruise and set off to explore the region that Rudyard Kipling called the Eighth Wonder of the World. Travel the length of the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea, gliding past glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls that tumble through valleys and crash into the sea far below. Lush native forest clings to steep cliffs, while seals, penguins and dolphins are regular visitors to the icy waters. At the pinnacle of the sound, Mitre Peak rises dramatically from the depths to a height of 1,692 metres above sea level.
Along the way your captain will provide lively and informative commentary. Your cruise will take place on a modern, purpose-built catamaran with large viewing windows, outdoor decks, panoramic views and warm indoor seating.
After your cruise, return to Queenstown by coach.

Day 7At Queenstown

Safari of the Scenes Wakatipu Basin tour
For those keen on the Hobbit and Lord of The Rings films, come with us for an unexpectedly delightful journey. In safari-equipped 4WD vehicles, you will be taken on a true off-road adventure. Experienced guides will take you on a breathtaking excursion through diverse scenery around the Wakatipu Basin. See historic Arrowtown and go over the Arrow River, as well as experiencing the truly remarkable views of the lake and mountain surround from the Skippers Canyon Saddle.

Enjoy a second day in Queenstown
With such an abundance of activities on offer, one day in Queenstown is never enough! Today you’ll have some spare time for those things you didn’t get to do yesterday. For more thrills you can choose from jet boating, luging, bungy jumping or a canyon swing. If golf is your game, the exceptional Millbrook Golf Course is the place for you. Explore a little further afield - nearby historic gold mining township Arrowtown, is a popular destination and features many original buildings and features. At the head of Lake Wakatipu sits Glenorchy, the scenic drive here is worth the trip alone, however arriving into this peaceful township you could easily rest the day away. Nearby is the start of the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. You can enjoy a section of this track as a day walk or for the ultimate wilderness adventure choose the 3 day all-inclusive fully guided option. To really appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds this area, a scenic flight or hot air balloon ride will take your breath away. For a slightly more grounded experience, the Skyline Gondola offers fantastic views of Queenstown and the Remarkables.

Day 8Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch(with Lunch)

Travel to the foothills of New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook, on a full-day sightseeing tour from Queenstown to Christchurch.

Setting off from Queenstown, travel through ruggedly beautiful landscape and over the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country. Enter the amazing Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain, where there is time to stop for lunch and a chance to enjoy the amazing alpine scenery.During your stop at Mount Cook Village, enjoy a delicious lunch at the famous Hermitage Hotel.

In the afternoon, travel past Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd against the backdrop of this vivid blue glacier-fed lake. Then continue through the diverse farmland of the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, the Garden City, where your tour concludes.

You will need at least a night in Christchurch after this your.

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